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I disagree. If you've got more time and creativity than you do money, you can always build a helmet from scratch out of chipboard (aka posterboard) or "For Sale" signs about $8 each. I picked up some scrap sintra at a sign company for free. You don't have to drop $$$$$$$ to create a good costume unless you want to get into the 501st or KOTE.

Check out these links for ideas and see what other people have done on a shoestring budget. Also use the advanced search on this forum and search for threads by the following users: "SD68" "honus" and "chewiepal" plus "Kripps"

I disagree. If you've got more time and creativity than you do money, you can always build a helmet from scratch out of chipboard (aka posterboard) or "For Sale" signs about $8 each. I picked up some scrap sintra at a sign company for free. You don't have to drop $$$$$$$ to create a good costume unless you want to get into the 501st or KOTE.

Check out these links for ideas and see what other people have done on a shoestring budget. Also use the advanced search on this forum and search for threads by the following users: "SD68" "honus" and "chewiepal" plus "Kripps"

You can get it at any retailer who sells automotive supplies. Walmart, Canadian tire (if you have one around of course), etc.

GCNGamer - Why do you have to mold/cast a scratchbuilt? I made one myself out of cardboard (the stuff you find on the back of pads of paper) and it turned out fantastic as is. Total cost = $15 (give or take a few bucks)

You can get it at any retailer who sells automotive supplies. Walmart, Canadian tire (if you have one around of course), etc.

GCNGamer - Why do you have to mold/cast a scratchbuilt? I made one myself out of cardboard (the stuff you find on the back of pads of paper) and it turned out fantastic as is. Total cost = $15 (give or take a few bucks)

Well I am sure most people would feel comfortable with something that is solid, and cannot bend too easy, I am not saying that your helmet sucks, I am saying, that cardboard doesnt take wear, and would need some reinforcement.

You don't really wear a scratchbuilt helmet... you mold it and then cast it, which that alone would cost more than $80.

Nope. If you want, you can, but I didn't.

If you did build one, and it was quality, Would you really trust a bunch of glued on plastic? Espcially on your head, think about that one.

Yes, I would trust it. Just as much as a fiberglass helmet. Have you tried scratchbuilding a helmet? Have you worn a scratchbuilt helmet a number of times? If not, don't discourage someone by saying that. It all depends on how you make it. Mine is 'a bunch of glued on plastic', and it's held together just fine. I've dropped it a few times, from chest hight, and it's held together.

This is not what TDH is about. You shouldn't discourage people, especially if you don't have hands on knowledge (in this case, having built a helmet from plastic, and wearing it a number of times, thus proving its durability.)

TheFatalHaze, if you want to scratchbuild a helmet, do it! It's great fun, and after it's all done, you'll have a helmet that YOU built, and it will mean more to you. Trust me, you'd be surprised how many people have asked me "Hey, is that a fiberglass helmet? Who made it?" and I tell them I made it and show them the inside, and they are absolutely amazed. It really makes me proud.

Brian hit the nail on the head. I don't want to see your scratchbuilt helmet hit the ground and burst to flames, I'd feel safer and more comfortable with Rubies than scratchbuilt.

I wear a scratchbuilt Jet Pack and I hate looking at the thing, if I molded it then I'd be happy with it. The jet pack is something different though, it's a solid case, filled with expanded foam, and it's mounted on my back; not something that covers my head and is not an "often screwed with" item, besides the thrusters.

Like I said, I've dropped mine a few times while working in the basement, and we don't have a finished basement so it hit concrete. And I've been hit a number of times while wearing it as well. If I were to fiberglass the inside, it would probably make it even stronger, and it would still have cost me less than $30. Sure, it's not *exactly* like Boba's helmet (which mine is for my custom) but if you're other option is a Rubies, then you probably aren't too concerned with that anyways. I'd be more afraid to troop in a Rubies than my scratchbuilt because of the Rubies warping so easily in the heat.

I guess it would depend on where you live. If you're in a colder place, a Rubies wouldn't warp. Here in Iowa, when it's cold, it can get very cold, and when it's hot, it can get very hot. Plus I wanted control over the size as well, because I didn't want a helmet that looked too small on me, since that's what people look at most.

Sorry if I may sound repetitive or something, but I just don't like when people scare others away from scratchbuilding, as it's just another part of the hobby, not a "last resort" or anything.

Yes, I would trust it. Just as much as a fiberglass helmet. Have you tried scratchbuilding a helmet? Have you worn a scratchbuilt helmet a number of times? If not, don't discourage someone by saying that. It all depends on how you make it. Mine is 'a bunch of glued on plastic', and it's held together just fine. I've dropped it a few times, from chest hight, and it's held together.

This is not what TDH is about. You shouldn't discourage people, especially if you don't have hands on knowledge (in this case, having built a helmet from plastic, and wearing it a number of times, thus proving its durability.)

TheFatalHaze, if you want to scratchbuild a helmet, do it! It's great fun, and after it's all done, you'll have a helmet that YOU built, and it will mean more to you. Trust me, you'd be surprised how many people have asked me "Hey, is that a fiberglass helmet? Who made it?" and I tell them I made it and show them the inside, and they are absolutely amazed. It really makes me proud.

If I wanted to discourage him, I would have said things that were rude, and called him names.

I am saying that it has a better chance of breaking than other helmets.

What is your helmet made of exactly? Because apparently it is made of the godly plastic.

I wouldn't advise scratch building a helmet to troop with just due to the fact that *IF* you drop it and it broke. it's going to be more of a bummer than if a rubies or fang helmet broke. Granted they're a little more pricey, they're readily available.

If you want to stay under $80, definitely go with a scratch-build. If you make it out of sintra and make and internal frame, then the likelihood of breaking is not as significant as some would make it sound. Sintra, unlike resin, is decently flexible so it won't crack if you drop it and if you do manage to break it, it will break along a seam so the repair will be easier. As MandoMan pointed out, scratch-building is actually a lot of fun. Check out this thread for a sintra scratch-build. Wizardofflight has a great set of templates for the helmet, just search for "helmet templates"